Crossing Eve

Today was a sad day at the Old Friends kennels of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. When I went to sign in for the afternoon, I was told ‘Old Friends will be closing at 3 today; we’re crossing Eve.’

Crossing, as in the Rainbow Bridge. Eve was a paraplegic when I met her last year, but she had a spirit about her which said ‘don’t pick me up, I’ll get there by myself thank you.’ And her best friend was Dumpling, the little toothless mixed breed girl that I fell in love with.

Eve, in May 2012

Eve’s progress and care was documented as part of the Guardian Angels program, which profiles special animals from around the sanctuary and encourages monthly donations. Caregivers update the Guardian Angel journals on a regular basis.

From a distance, I monitored Eve’s progress through the journal; also hoping to catch a glimpse of Dumpling, which I did through this wonderful video:

Through Eve’s journal, I read about the donation of her mobility cart and options to keep it from chafing. When Dumpling got adopted in December 2012, I read about Eve’s grief at the loss of her friend and the efforts of caregivers to find her suitable companionship. And in March of this year, Eve exited the Guardian Angel program to give way to another special needs dog.

So when I arrived here last week, seeing Eve and other remaining Old Friends was a top priority. It is a comfort to know that I was here at Old Friends today to say goodbye to her.

Eve today, before crossing

A painting of Eve hangs in the foyer of her kennels at Old Friends

A final Guardian Angel entry is now live on the Best Friends website to mark Eve’s crossing. Read it here and perhaps go back in time to read more about this very special, special needs dog.

Eve will be laid to rest at Angels Overlook, the cemetery for sanctuary animals.